Ninety years ago, the white brick building on Buffalo Street began as a church.

For the next 50 years, parishioners of Eastside Baptist prayed and preached between its walls.

Now, the hollow building with the exposed rafters has begun a transformation process into a new type of ministry.

A lift-off ceremony was held this past week to celebrate the beginning of the renovation process that will turn the old church into a new, 24-hour men's shelter.

Cleveland Rescue Mission will not only offer more space for homeless men, but more opportunities.

"It has been a long time coming," said Michael Gullatte, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance, governing board of the Cleveland Rescue Mission. "We're really excited about the opportunity...we've been making steady progress, but now we can actually physically see the work and everybody else can see it."

'Five to eight months for the total project'

Gullatte said the $1.2 million project has been possible thanks to the collaboration of many different people and organizations in the community.

Asbestos in the facility has been removed and the North Carolina Baptist Men will be bringing in teams from around the state and county to complete the demolition free of charge.

Gullatte said the three-story building will have to be shelled and built from scratch.

Once the demolition is completed, Strickland Construction will complete the remodeling work.

"We're estimating five to eight months for the total project," he said. "We're going to certainly be in before the winter time hits."

More services to men in need

Currently, the tiny, somewhat-dilapidated shelter on Washington Street has a waiting list and only allows the men a place to rest their heads at night.

The new facility will provide around-the-clock housing and a chance for the men to build a new life.

Gullatte said he stresses the point to residents that it is a temporary living situation.

"We're successful if each person can be rehabilitated and independent as fast as possible," he said.

The ultimate goal is for each person to become self-sufficient.

"This transition means changed lives," Gullatte said.

How to help

Donations can be made by visiting www.clevelandcountyrescuemission.org.

People can also help by shopping at or donating items to the Rescue Mission Thrift Store located between Big Lots and Planet Fitness on East Dixon Boulevard.

A portion of the sale proceeds go to support the shelter.

Call 704-476-0031 to have yard sale leftovers picked up or to have larger items picked up.

About Cleveland Rescue Mission

-The current shelter is about 3,000 square feet, while the new facility is approximately 17,000 square feet.

-Cleveland Rescue Mission will have 80 beds by the time phase two of the project is completed. Currently, there are 26 beds and a waiting list.

-The shelter will have a kitchen, and the mission expects to serve about 200 meals a day.

-A nursing clinic will be located inside the shelter to treat minor ailments and reduce expensive emergency room visits for non-emergencies.

-The shelter hopes to include a police substation

-Classrooms will be located on the third floor of the building, and classes will include budgeting and finance, computer, resume writing and healthy living.